Does anyone have a recommendation for hotel, motel, or b&b in Wanaka? Is location important there? (We will have a car). Thanks for any feedback.

We've never stayed in Wanaka, so can't help with lodging options, but we have been to Wanaka several times. It's compact, therefore I wouldn't think location is important, although you might want a room with a view of the lake.

Have fun.

This site has some lodging options:

http://www.lakewanaka.co.nz/index.cf...ases/Hot_Deals

Wanaka would be a good place for a B&B/homestay as there are so many second/vacation homes. I would use website bnb.co.nz and check for a nice view of the lake. I've tried to remember the name of the place I stayed at but can't!

We stayed at Villa Vista in February. Margaret and Stewart have a beautiful home with wonderful views. It's a 2 minute drive from the center of town. There are only two rooms available, and they are somewhat separate from the rest of the house, but this is still a homestay, not a B&B, which we had never done. Very friendly, good tips, and nice to not be in a hotel. Try the Green Room for dinner or lunch and take a nice long hike around part of the lake. Have fun!

Thanks to each of you--some very helpful information!!

We stayed at the Moorings in November 2001. Our room had a king bed and a sofa bed. We also had a microwave and refrigerator. The view of the lake was amazing from our room.

The staff was wonderful!

We stayed in town at ? Wanaka Lodge. Not really a lake view but comfortable and friendly.
Don't miss Rippon winery - on the edge of the lake and must be the best view from any winery and the
pinot noir one of our favourites.
A glass of wine while looking over the lake to the mountains is not to be missed.